The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across several states, leading to the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of criminal suspects, recovery of firearms and ammunition, and the disruption of planned attacks.
Edo State
Security operatives, working alongside the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), rescued three kidnapped students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) identified as Favour Okoroje (21), Precious Balogun (19), and Praise Bagbalo (18).
During the operation, two suspected kidnappers were neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Police recovered three AK-47 rifles, magazines, and 39 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Benin City has commenced investigations.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Police recorded multiple operational victories in the nation’s capital.
In one operation, officers foiled a kidnapping and rescued 24-year-old Deborah Ogila from Ara Forest in Nasarawa State after intelligence-led efforts blocked the suspects’ escape routes.
The command also dismantled a suspected “one chance” robbery syndicate with the arrest of three male suspects travelling in a navy blue Volkswagen Golf. Recovered items included a female wig, knife, rope, screwdriver, scissors, suspected hard drugs, an iron umbrella handle, and three mobile phones.
In another operation, security personnel rescued Hakimin Badariya and his family from armed attackers after deploying a combined team of police operatives, vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. Three labourers injured during the attack received medical treatment.
Police also restored normal traffic along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway after peacefully resolving a protest by trailer drivers at Yangoji without any loss of life.
Kebbi State
A coordinated security operation successfully rescued Hakimin Badariya, Urotu Shehu and members of his family from gunmen in the Hubbare area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.
The operation involved police tactical teams, the 36 Police Mobile Force, vigilantes and the Civilian Joint Task Force. Three injured labourers were evacuated to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital for treatment, while security has since been reinforced in the area.
Bauchi State
Police arrested all seven suspects linked to an attack on Rahama House, an off-campus students’ lodge, where occupants were assaulted with machetes and robbed of two Android phones.
In a separate operation, officers rescued a kidnapped victim, Alhaji Gide Mai Yara, 40, in Kirfi Local Government Area following an intensive search conducted with local hunters and vigilantes.
Nasarawa State
Six suspected internet fraudsters were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout in Rugan Madaki.
Recovered exhibits included a Makarov pistol, four mobile phones, multiple ATM cards and nine laptops. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Delta State
Police arrested two suspected armed robbers along the Asaba-Benin Expressway in a joint operation with the Civilian Anti-Cult Group.
The suspects, identified as Stephen Danladi, 29, and Jude Christian, 26, were found with two locally made pistols and a screwdriver.
Further investigation led to the arrest of an alleged gun runner, Jerry Egenus, at Emmavis Hotel in Ogwashi-Uku.
Taraba State
An 18-year-old suspected cultist, Usman A. Usman, a student of Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau Institute, was arrested after allegedly being found with a mini revolver during a confrontation.
Police recovered the firearm and have intensified efforts to arrest his fleeing accomplice, Akilu Alhassan, and other suspected cult members.
Gombe State
Police arrested 18-year-old Mohammed Rabiu over the alleged killing of Abdulhamid Lawe, 16.
Investigators recovered the walking stick allegedly used in the attack. The victim was confirmed dead at Cottage Hospital, Kwami.
Zamfara State
Police deployed tactical operatives and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts after intelligence revealed that suspected bandits planted an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Kwarin Ganuwa-Keta Road in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The device, believed to have been transported from Munhaye Forest, was reportedly intended to target security personnel and road users. EOD specialists are working to safely neutralize the threat.
Sokoto State
Security operatives responded swiftly to a bandit attack in Gundunga Village, Kware Local Government Area.
Joint teams involving police tactical units, the Army Forward Operating Base, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Village Community Response Unit recovered two rustled camels, evacuated casualties to hospital and launched bush-combing operations to track the fleeing attackers and recover more stolen livestock.
Niger State
Police responded to two separate incidents in the state.
Tactical teams were deployed to Kadiba Village after three Fulani residents were reportedly killed during a vigilante attack. The victims’ bodies were evacuated for autopsy as investigations commenced.
In another incident, officers responded to an armed robbery attack in which Alhaji Usman and Suleiman Mohammed were ambushed and dispossessed of mobile phones and ₦1.1 million. Suleiman Mohammed later died from injuries sustained during the attack.
Kano State
Police mobilized operatives to Zakawa Community in Nasarawa Yanchibi following reports of suspected bandits and cattle rustlers gathering in large numbers.
Security operations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible and recover any weapons in their possession.
National Operational Summary – July 16, 2026
21 suspects arrested
13 kidnapped victims rescued
7 firearms recovered
39 rounds of live ammunition recovered
1 vehicle recovered
2 suspected kidnappers neutralized
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